Haridwar
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Haridwar
Haridwar | |
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| Website | http://haridwar.nic.in |
Haridwar (also spelt as Hardwar, Hindi: हरिद्वार) is a holy city and municipal board in the Haridwar District in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. In Hindi, Haridwar stands for Gateway to God, with 'Hari' meaning god and 'dwar' meaning gate. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus.
According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is one among the four sites where drops of the elixir of immortality Amrita accidentally spilled over from the pitcher (or Kumbha), in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu after Samudra manthan. These four spots -- Ujjain, Haridwar, Nasik, and Allahabad -- have today become places, where the Kumbha Mela is celebrated, cyclically once every 12 years. Millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate here, from all over the world to celebrate this celestial event and perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganga.
The spot where the nectar (Amrita) fell is considered to be the Brahma Kund at Har-ki-Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord," and symbolically the footprints of the Amrita), the most sacred ghat of Haridwar; thousands of devotees and pilgrims flock here during festivals or snan from all over India to take a holy dip. This act is considered to be the equivalent of washing away one's sins to attain Moksha.
The Haridwar district came into existence on 28 December 1988, with the creation of new state of Uttarakhand, and is developing beyond its religious importance, as a major industrial destination of state, with development works of SIDCUL. This city is also well known for many other attractions apart from the holy river Ganges, such as the township of BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals India Ltd.) and fast developing Industrial Estate developed by SIDCUL.
Haridwar: In scriptures and today
A paradise for nature lovers, Haridwar presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilisation. Haridwar is also known by Mayapuri, Kapila, and Gangadwar. The followers of Lord Shiva (Har) and followers of Lord Vishnu (Hari) call this place Hardwar and Haridwar respectively.[citation needed] It is also a point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (the four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri).
Archaeological findings have proved that terra cotta culture dating between 1700 BCE and 1200 BCE existed in this region.[citation needed] Though first written evidence of Haridwar is found in the accounts of a Chinese traveller, Huan Tsang, who visited India in 629 AD. [1]
The legendary King Bhagirath is said to have brought the river Ganga down from heaven to earth in order to provide salvation to his ancestors. Lord Vishnu is said to have left his footprint on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri, where the Holy Ganga touches it at all times.
Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it weaves through the life and time stretching from the period of the Buddha to the more recent British advent. Haridwar has a rich and ancient religious and cultural heritage; it still has many old havelis and mansions bearing exquisite murals and intricate stonework.
The headworks of the Ganga Canal system are located in Haridwar. The Upper Ganga Canal was opened in 1854, after the work began in 1840, prompted by the famine of 1837-38. The unique feature of the canal is the half-kilometre-long aqueduct over another river at Roorkee, which raises the canal 25 metres above the original river.
Haridwar has been an abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit. It has also been a centre of attraction for learning various arts, science, and culture. The city has a long-standing position as a great source of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies and is home to the unique Gurukul school of traditional education.
Haridwar already has a temple of modern civilization, BHEL, a 'Navratna PSU' to its credit. The Roorkee University at Roorkee, now IIT Roorkee, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutes of learning in the fields of science and engineering. Another university of the district, Gurukul Kangri, which has a vast campus, gives traditional education of its own kind.
Many Government administration offices like Lok Sewa Ayog and Sanskrit Academy are established here. Prior to its inclusion in the newly created state of Uttarakhand, this district was a part of Saharanpur Divisional Commissionary.
Administrative
The Haridwar district is ringed by Saharanpur in the west, Dehradun in the north and east, Pauri Garhwal in the east, Muzaffarnagar and Bijnor in the south.
The district is administratively subdivided into three tehsils: Haridwar, Roorkee, and Laksar; and six development blocks: Bhagwanpur, Roorkee, Narsan, Bahadrabad, Laksar, and Khanpur. The district headquarters is situated in the Roshnabad, at a distance of about 12 km from railway station. The office of Chief Development Officer (CDO) is located in Vikas Bhawan, Roshnabad.
The Collectorate, Vikas Bhawan, District Judiciary, S.S.P. Office, Police line, District Jail, District sports stadium, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya etc. are the prime establishments of this area.
Geography
Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the plains. The water in the river Ganges is thus mostly clear and cool, except in the rainy season, during which a lot of soil from the upper regions flows down into it.
A large part of the district is forested, and Rajaji National Park is within the bounds of the district, making it an ideal destination for wildlife and adventure lovers.
Haridwar district, covering an area of about 2360 km², is in the southwestern part of Uttarakhand state of India. Its latitude and longitude are 29.58 degree north and 78.13 degree east respectively. Its height from the sea level is 249.7 metres.
Demographics
As of 2001 [[India censusTemplate:GR, Hardwar had a population of 14,44,213. Males constitute 54% of the population and females, 46%. Hardwar has an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 64%. In Hardwar, 12% of the population is under six years of age.
Places of Interest
CHANDI DEVI- 6 km.
The temple of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. It is a 3 km trek from Chandighat. Legend has it that the army chief Chanda-Munda of a local demon King Shumbh-Nishumbha was killed by goddess Chandi here, after which the place got the name Chandi Devi. It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankracharya in 8th century A.D. One can reach here by Trolley through ropeway or on foot. The 'Udan Khatola' (Ropeway) can be booked through phone services at 01334-220324, Time-8.30 AM to 6 PM.
MANSA DEVI TEMPLE - 0.5 km.
Situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat, the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi, literally meaning the Goddess who fulfills desires (Mansa), is a popular tourist destination, especially because of the cable cars, which offer a picturesque view of the entire city. The main temple houses two idols of the Goddess, one with three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms. Ph: 01334-227745. [2]
MAYA DEVI TEMPLE - 0.5 km.
Dating to the 11th century, this ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar, is considered one of the Siddhapethas and is said to be the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen.
HAR-KI-PAURI -1.5 km.
This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pari. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The evening prayer at dusk (Aarti) offered to Goddess Ganga at Hari-Ki-Pairi (steps towards God Hari) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors.
DAKSHA MAHADEV TEMPLE -4 km.
The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev is situated in the south Kankhal town. According to Hindu mythology, King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife), performed a yagna here, to which he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. When he arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king, seeing this Sati felt was infuriated and self-immolated herself in the yagna kund.
King Daksha was later killed by the demon Virabhadra, born out of Shiva's anger. Later the king was brought to life and given a goat's head by Shiva. Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to this legend.
NEEL DHARA PAKSHI VIHAR - 3.5 KM
This Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganga river, or Neel Dhara, at the Bhimgoda barrage, it is a paradise for bird watchers and home to many migratory birds during the winter season.[3]
SATI KUND - 4 km.
Sati Kund, another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in the Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund.
BHIMGODA TANK
This tank is situated at a distance of about 1 km from Har-ki Pairi. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, prince Bhima drew water from the rocks here by thrusting his knee, or goda, to the very ground.
JAIRAM ASHRAM
Just off Bhimgoda, this ashram houses a diorama exhibition comprising life-like, animated statues depicting various stories from the Hindu mythology, though its piece de resistance is a massive white statue depicting the famous Samudra manthan episode, making it a must-see for any visitor to Haridwar.
SAPT RISHI ASHRAM & SAPT SAROVAR - 7 km
It is said that Ganga split herself into seven currents at this place so that the Sapt (seven) Rishis worshipping there would not be disturbed.
PARAD SHIVLING - 2 km
Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Shivling weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are the main attractions here.
DOODHADHARI BARFANI TEMPLE
This temple complex made in white marble is one of most beautiful modern temples of Haridwar, noted for its simplcity, elegance and quietitude. The main temple houses idols of Ram-Sita. It is preceed by an array of smaller temples of the deities from the Hindu pantheon. Right across the Ram temple is an imposing temple of Lord Hanuman.
PAVAN DHAM
Pavan Dham (means Sacred place) has a magnificent display of art work completely made up of glass pieces.
BHARAT MATA MANDIR
The only temple of its kind, inaugurated by Late PM Smt Indira Gandhi. A multi-storey temple, each floor covering an era of Indian History, from the days of Ramayan till India's independence.
ANANDAMAYI MA ASHRAM
Situated in Kankhal, one of five sub-cities of Haridwar, the ashram is where the smaadhi shrine of Sri Anandamoyi Ma (1896-1982), a noted saint of India is situated. Evening aarti and satsangs conducted here, by the ashramites and devotees are quite mesmerising.
GURUKUL KANGRI UNIVERSITY - 4 km.
One of the oldest Universities of India, this institution was founded in 1902 by Swami Shraddhananda (1856-1926), according to the tenets of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj. It was one of the pioneering ones to reestablish ancient Indian education systems in modern India. Here Ancient Vedic and Sanskrit literature, Ayurveda, Philosophy were made part of the curriculum besides Modern Sciences and Journalism.
Its Archaeological museum, houses some rare statues, coins, paintings, manuscripts and artefacts, starting from Harappa culture (c.2500-1500 BC) onwards.
Its sprawling and serene campus is situated on the banks of Ganga, on Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. Mahatma Gandhi visited this institution, and stayed here for extended periods of time.
JWALAPUR
It is one of the important markets of Haridwar, where locals go for shopping. Filled with narrow lanes, and by lane, this area feels like a different city altogether.
B.H.E.L. Township
The campus of this Public Sector Unit is spread across an area of 12 sq. km. The main factory consists of two divisions: The Heavy Electricals Equipment Plant (HEEP), whose core business includes design and manufacture of large steam and gas turbines, turbo generators, hydro turbines and generators, hydro turbines and generators, large AC/DC motors and so on. The Central Foundry Forge Plant (CFFP) is engaged in manufacture of Steel Castings: Up to 50 Tons Per Piece Wt & Steel Forgings: Up to 55 Tons Per Piece Wt.
HEEP & CFFP have been awarded ISO-9001 and ISO-9002 certificates respectively. HEEP & CFFP units of BHEL, Haridwar have also been awarded ISO-14001. Together they employ over 8000 skilled employees.
SIDCUL - 5 km.
A massive industrial area, spread over 2034 Acres, developed by State Industrial Development Corporation Uttaranchal Limited (SIDCUL), a state government body. With big enterprises like HLL, Dabur, Mahindra & Mahindra, Havells, moving in SIDCUL is set to develop into another industrial township within the city. 3 km away from the Delhi-Hardwar National Highway, SIDCUL lies adjacent to the BHEL Township, an important Public Sector township.
BAHADRABAD - 7 km.
It is located on the Haridwar-Delhi National Highway at a distance of 7 km from Haridwar. Close by, in village Pathri, lies the Pathri Power Station built on the Upper Ganga Canal in 1955. This place having a important role in Yoga and sprituality, famous Ramdev's Patanjali university is situated under this region. It also has block development office under which many developed villages(e.g. Khedli, Kisanpur Rohalki etc.) comes. These villages are the best examples of developing india.
PIRAN KALIYAR - 20 km.
Built by Ibrahim Lodhi, this 'Dargah' of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahamed 'Sabir' at the outskirts of Roorkee, is a living example of religious harmony in India, visited by devotees from all over the world, during the annual 'Urs' festival.
Festivals
Being a place of intense religious significance, Haridwar is also hosts several religious festivals throughout the year; popular among them are the Kavad Mela, Somvati Amavasya Mela, in which around 20-25 lacs people take part. [4].
Apart from this, there is the Kumbh Mela which takes place once in every twelve years, when the planet Jupiter (Brahaspati) comes to the sign Aquarius (Kumbh). The 1998 Maha Kumbh Mela saw over 10 million pilgrims visiting this city, to take a dip in the holy river, Ganga.[5]
Industry
Haridwar is rapidly developing as an important industrial township of Uttaranchal as the state government agency, SIDCUL (State Infrastructure & Industrial Development Corporation of Uttranchal Ltd.)[6] has set up Integrated Industrial Estate, within the district attracting many important industrial houses setting up manufacturing facilities in the area.
Hariwar already has a thriving Indutrial area situated at the Bypass road, comprising mainly of ancillaries units to PSU, BHEL.
External links
- The Official Website of District Haridwar.
- http://www.euttaranchal.com/uttaranchal/haridwar.php Another detailed sited on Hardwar.]
- Uttarakhand Info Centre Uttarakhand Information Centre
- Detailed Travel Info.
- The ethos of Haridwar, a photographic study.
- Haridwar on Wikimapia.org
- Template:Wikitravel
- Haridwar in monochrome Excellent photographs of Haridwar by the international award-winning photographer, Joshua Newtonn.
- Haridwar Pictures A report and high resolution photographs of Haridwar.
- Ganga Arati Video Quicktime streaming video of worship of the Ganges in Hardwar (15 minutes)
- Complete History Of Kumbha Mela
- Kumbh Mela 1998 CNN